REAL ID Driver License and Non-Driver IDs

If you live in the District for 60 days or more and operate a motor vehicle in public space, DC law requires you to have a DC DMV driver license. There are exceptions to this—called reciprocity—for students, members of the military services, members of Congress, presidential appointees, diplomats, and part-time residents. Information on reciprocity and residential parking permits is available at the link below:

To get a DC DMV driver license you will need specific documents and types of documents, generally outlined below. (More information is available under the DC DMV REAL ID and DC DMV Limited Purpose Driver License/Non-Driver Identification Card pages.)

You must have proof of identity (full legal name and date of birth), proof of social security, and proof of residency to obtain a driver license or non-driver identification. For licenses, we also require proof of ability to drive.

You must bring original documents. Photocopies, altered documents, or notarized copies will not be accepted. Documents with expiration dates, such as passports, must still be valid in order to be accepted.

You may not use one single document as multiple proofs.

If you are 70 years old or older, then you must have your doctor complete the Mature Driver Certification section of the driver license application prior to your in-person DC DMV visit. The driver license application is available online at the link below:

You will receive your official license or ID in the mail. Your credentials will be mailed to your address of record. DC DMV will not mail credentials to a PO box. When you first complete all the requirements for your license or ID, you will be issued a temporary, paper driver license/ID certificate that will be valid for 45 days to use. You can use it with your out-of-state credential.